THE INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM
DESCA Programs help innovators and technologists plug into Delaware's innovation ecosystem by connecting them to resources, mentors and funding/strategic partners to help speed the commercialization of their products
INNOVATION 2 INVOICE PROGRAMS
TechConnect
Our TechConnect workshops bring together DESCA Board members and industry experts to help technologists understand alternative applications and routes to market and help focus priorities and resources on those that are most promising in terms of commercialization potential.
Workshop contact: Erica Crell—Marketing & Program Manager, DESCA
Lunch & Learns
In 2020, look for sessions on how to access BIRD Grants, SBIR/STTR Grants, the legal aspects of IP and contracts, developing a value proposition, polishing your investor pitch and more.
Lunch & Learn contact: Erica Crell—Marketing & Program Manager, DESCA
Annual Investor Forum
This venture forum is designed uniquely for pre-vetted, high value startups and qualified investors, corporate strategic funds, and corporate innovation groups. To date, DESCA has held 3 Investor Forums. The companies selected by DESCA to pitch in these forums have collectively raised >$55M in venture capital and secured development relationships or licensing deals with companies such as Shell, Koch Industries, Air Liquide, GE, BASF, Cargill, AkzoNobel and/or undergone profitable acquisitions.
Investor Forum contact: Dora Cheatham—Executive Director, DESCA
Tactics of Entrepreneurs
DESCA recognizes that the chemical and biochemical industry is complex and can seem overwhelming. Tactics of Entrepreneurs is a monthly, innovative CEO Training Forum using dynamic feedback and creative intelligence to ensure that CEO’s properly develop relevant intellectual property, secure early customers, and transition to market development activities. With a focus on Product & Market Development, and Cross-Functional Team Leadership, Tactics of Entrepreneurs is geared to TechConnect and Investor Forum alumni who are focused on product commercialization and market entry.
Tactics of Entrepreneurs contact: Nick Strickland—Board Member, DESCA
Distilled Discussions
All work and no play makes business leaders dull, so DESCA will be organizing a monthly Happy Hour to support the chemicals and materials entrepreneurial community in Delaware. A time for social interactions, these will be open to anyone who wants to connect to the Chemicals and Materials entrepreneurial community: whether you’re a student, faculty, working for a large company or retired, this monthly event offers a chance to network and get away from the daily grind. Keep checking DESCA’s website and emails for dates and registration info.
Distilled Discussions contact: Erica Crell—Marketing & Program & Marketing Manager, DESCA
Entrepreneurs' Roundtable
A monthly, informal discussion group led by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. A place to ask practical questions and obtain answers about how to run a startup in the chemicals and materials spaces: What's the best way to track time for SBIR Grants? Where have you had luck finding candidates for senior roles? How do you handle hazardous waste pickup? If the group does have the answers, then we'll bring outside experts who do.
Entrepreneurs' Roundtable contacts: Hannan Murnen- CTO, Compact Membrane Systems, hmurnen@compactmembrane.com and Santiago Rojas-Carbonell, COO, W7 Energy, santiago@w7energy.com